Colombo, Sri Lanka

Friday, midday

Check into the Hotel Maniumpathy (doubles from £120, www. thecolombohouse.com), a stately colonial-style dame in the leafy Cinnamon Gardens district. This boutique gem has just eight rooms, which reline around a tree shrouded pool.

1pm

Try the national staple of ‘curry and rice’ at the Maniumpathy. Deceptively simple sounding, it’s actually curry served with a thali-style array of tasty side dishes.

2pm

Time to explore the city centre on a tour with Colombo City Walks (www. colombocitywalks.com).

5pm

End your walking tour at the old Dutch Hospital, which has recently been brought back to life with new cafes, bars and restaurants. Botanik (www.botanik.lk) sits on a rooftop with great views.

7pm

It’s dinner in one of Asia’s best seafood restaurants at the legendary Ministry of Crab (www.ministryofcrab.com). The Sri Lankan crustaceans deservedly enjoy top billing, best savoured with a garlic pepper sauce, though the massive local prawns are also superb.

Saturday, 9am

For a real local experience take a tuk tuk to the chaotic but exciting Pettah market district, which is a senses stimulating contrast to the gleaming glass and steel of Colombo’s emerging skyline.

Midday

Head down to the city’s beach and enjoy a simple street food experience with the hulking Port City project, which will transform the Sri Lankan capital’s waterfront, taking shape in the background.

5pm

As the temperature cools make your way to the Galle Face area to enjoy one of the famously spectacular Indian Ocean sunsets in one of the cafes and bars.

7pm

It’s Wagyu beef time at Café Nihonbashi (www.nihonbashi.lk). This is the real Japanese deal here with melt in the mouth steaks.

Sunday, 9am

Peel back the centuries with a lavish breakfast on the Maniumpathy’s colonial-style terrace, before a dip in the pool to ease your muscles before your flight. ■